With A Focus On Family And Community, The Red Barn Has Been A Favorite Restaurant For Over 40 Years
By Melissa Mahoney|Published August 17, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Since 1977, The Red Barn in Augusta has been a mainstay for generations of families. People return not just for the delicious food offered at a great value, but also for the great sense of community. When Bill and Florence Benedict first opened the doors to The Red Barn, they served chicken and seafood to both locals and tourists in central Maine. Today it is still owned and operated by a member of the Benedict family.
Bill and Florence instilled the family’s good work ethic in each of their 10 children, all of which have worked at The Red Barn over the years. One of those hard-working children, Laura Benedict, took over the family business in 1986 and turned it into the incredible place it is today.
From its humble beginnings, this family-owned-and-operated restaurant has grown and expanded its operations and menu options over the years. Over time, it has become one of the busiest restaurants of its kind in the area. But its success hasn’t always come easy.
When Laura Benedict took over the family restaurant in the mid-1980s, it was a time when chain restaurants were becoming more and more popular. Also during this time, family-owned restaurants were struggling to stay afloat, including The Red Barn.
But through the toughest of times, The Red Barn has persevered thanks to its hard-working employees (many of which have been working there for years), countless loyal customers, and Laura’s tenacity and commitment to both the business and community.
Over the years, The Red Barn has hosted over 1,000 benefits and raised millions of dollars for a variety of causes, charities, and individuals who needed some help. “The centerpiece of our business is giving back to the community, which had supported us when we were struggling to stay afloat,” she says.
Laura understands what it’s like to fall on hard times and when she did, the community was there to help. Over the years, she developed a strong connection to the community as she dove in and gave back. Generosity followed and business at The Red Barn started to flourish. The more money the restaurant makes, the more money can be given back. Laura's compassion, dedication, and energy are truly inspirational to all who meet her.
Among the charities that Laura and her incredible employees help are Honor Flight, which raises money to send veterans on a trip to see the memorials of Washington D.C., and Meals on Wheels, which provides meals and other support to senior citizens. They also help with heating costs for the elderly, make visits to nursing homes, and host an array of charity benefits for those in need.
Laura and The Red Barn have done so much for the community over the years that former President Barack Obama even sent a letter of recognition from the White House!
Each and every order at this incredible restaurant is made fresh. Whether it’s the breaded and deep-fried chicken, shrimp, or mixed seafood, the sandwiches, or mouthwatering lobster rolls, customers are guaranteed to have an awesome and satisfying meal!
Laura's Seafood Stew is such a hit that you can take some home by the pint or quart, or stay and eat a cup or a bowl of it outside on one of the picnic tables.
And if you can, try to save some room for dessert after your filling meal. Available on the menu are a variety of milkshakes, giant chocolate chip cookies, and of course, whoopie pies!
This Augusta institution is quite a popular place, so be prepared to wait in line. But as they say, good things come to those who wait; and the food, service, and sense of community are all good things you'll encounter here at The Red Barn.
If you’re hungry, come to The Red Barn in Augusta where you can feed both your stomach and your soul as you enjoy a great meal and the wonderful community! Dining here is an experience everyone should have at least once in their lives. For more information on days and hours of operation, menu, online store, and more visit The Red Barn website or give them a call at (207) 623-9485. You can also follow The Red Barn on Facebook and Instagram.
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